Automatic switching system for propelled carriers

ABSTRACT

An automatic switching system for carriers propelled along a main line at a selected speed, including switching track and cooperating switching wheels on the carriers for effecting high speed switching operations to transfer the propelled carriers between the main line and the switching track.

United States Patent 11 1 1111 3,797,401 Alimanestianu Mar. 19, 1974AUTOMATIC SWITCHING SYSTEM FOR 765.211 7/1904 Thompson 105/17s PROPELLEDCARRIERS 203,499 5/1878 Rankins 105/215 R 3.595.173 7/1971 Giraud104/130 Inventor: Mihai Alimanesfianu, 70 40th 2.391.510 12/1945 PiOCh105 177 New York 10018 FOREIGN PATENTS-OR APPLICATIONS 1221 Filedl June1970 438,746 2/1926 Germany 246/427 [21] Appl. No.: 45,754

Primary ExaminerGera1d M. For1enza Assistant Examiner-D. W. Keen [52]US. Cl. 104/130, 105/215 R Attorney Agent or Hilbert [51] Int. Cl. EOlb25/12 [58] Field of Search 104/88, 130, 131, 32, 33; [57] ABSTRACT 105178, 215 C, 215 R I An automatic switching system for carriers prope11ed56] References Cited alorlg a 1:nair:1 line at a ts electe it slpeed,ilncllildingtilwitchmg rac an coopera mg sw1 c mgw ee 5 on e car- UNITEDSTATES PATENTS riers for effecting high speed switching operations totransfer the propelled carriers between the main line rowne 243.2256/1881 Cauteral 1 1. 105/215 R and the Swltchmg track" 304.054 8/1884Whiley 104/130 9 Claims, 25 Drawing Figures PATENTEUNAR 19 1914 saw 1 anm m ml oimd .7 9 3 m mL FL mi otmd T v g:

INVENTOR. Mihai Alimanesfianu BY AT TO RNEY PATENTEDNAR 19 1914 SHEET 20F 7 FIG.4

FIGS

PATENTEBHAR 19 m4 37973101 sum 3 OF 7 FIGS PATENTEDHAR 1 9 i974 SHEET 5BF 7 FIG.12

FIG.,14

AUTOMATIC SWITCHING SYSTEM FOR PROPELLED CARRIERS BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION It has been proposed to increase the traffic carrying capacityof propelled carriers by moving the same at selected speeds; suchcarriers being loaded with either cargo or passengers. Such a systemallows for the carriers to be disposed in closely spaced relation duringtheir movements. Since provision must be made for switching selectedcarriers from the main line to spur lines extending from the main lineor to way stations offset from the main line, switching means has beensuggested which allows for switching the selected carrier to the spurline with little change in normal operating speed, as set forth incopending appl. Ser. No. 754,379, filed Aug. 21, 1968 now US. Pat. No.3,521,569.

The switching system of the aforesaid copending application is based oncarriers having main line wheels and switching wheels, together withmeans for selectively activating the main line wheels and the switchingwheels to effect the switching operation. The activating means includesmotor means for pivoting a rocker arm on which the main line andswitching wheels are mounted, to bring the selected wheels intoengagement with the corresponding track.

Such a system involves a shifting of the load of the carrier, as one setof wheels is moved from an operative position to its inoperativeposition, while simultaneously, the other set of wheels is moved from aninoperative position to its operative position. It follows that themotor means must have a substantial capacity for executingtheseoperations, since the load of the carrier is directly involved in theoperations.

Accordingly, an object of this invention is to provide an improvedautomatic switching system for propelled carriers, wherein the switchingoperation is actuated primarily by the forward movement of the propelledcarrier at the switching point.

Another object of this invention is to provide a switching system of thecharacter described, wherein switching rails extending from main linerails at a switching point, are of a construction to cooperate withmovable switching wheels on the carrier in their operative position, toeffect progressive engagement of the switching wheels with the switchingrails and concurrent disengagement of the main line wheels of thecarrier from the main line rails, as a consequence of the forwardmovement of the carrier.

A further object of this invention is to provide a system of thecharacter described, wherein the switching wheels on the carrier arearranged for movement between a raised, inoperative position and alowered perative position, the switching wheels in their loweredposition being at an operating level below the operating level of themain line wheels.

Still another object of this invention is to provide in a system of thecharacter described, a set of switching rails laterally related to mainline rails and having an initial, ramp portion inclined forwardly andupwardly and adapted to be engaged by the switching wheels lowered totheir operative position in advance of the approach of the carrier tothe switching point, whereby the continued forward movement of thecarrier will cause a progressive lifting of the carrier as the switchingwheels move over the ramp portion of the switching rails, and concurrentdisengagement of the main line wheels and the main line rails.

Still another object of this invention is to provide in a switchingsystem of the character described, carrier means having main line wheelsmounted in a fixed position relative thereto, and switching wheelslaterally related to the main line wheels and mounted for movementbetween a raised inoperative position and a lowered operative position;the switching wheels in their operative position having their lowermostrail engaging portion below the lowermost rail engaging portion of themain line wheels.

Yet a further object of this invention is to provide in a switchingsystem of the character described, the su perelevation of the switchingrails at the juncture thereof with the main line rails, to improve theswitching operation at the switching juncture.

Still a further object of this invention is to provide in aswitchingsystem of the character described, means located in advance ofthe switching point and operable to activate the switching wheels to anoperative position thereof; and means located beyond the switching pointand operable to shift the switching wheels to their inoperativeposition.

Still another object of this invention is to provide in a switchingsystem, main line means for accomodating carriers having rubber tiredwheels for main line movement and switching wheels for engagingswitching rails extending from the main line means at the switchingjuncture.

Yet a further object of this invention is to provide a switching systemof the character described, track arrangements including spur line railsextending parallel to main line rails, with switching rails connectingthe spur line rails with the main line rails; switching rails extendingfrom the main line rails at one juncture point and rejoining the mainline rails at another juncture point; spur line rails extending parallelto the main line rails, with switching rails connecting the spur linerails with the main line rails, the switching rails also rejoining themain line rails, whereby a carrier may be switched from the main linerails selectively to the spur line rails or back to the main line rails.

Another object of this invention is to provide a carrier switchingsystem which is of a relatively simple construction comprising a minimumnumber of component parts, reduces power requirements to operate thesystem, minimizes maintenance requirements and provides for increasedefficiency of operation.

Other objects of this invention will in part be obvious and in parthereinafter pointed out.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic plan viewshowing the track arrangement of a carrier switching system embodyingthe invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic elevational view showing the elevationalrelationship of main line rails and switching rails at various pointsalong the juncture of the main line and switching rails;

FIGS. 3-10 are transverse sectional views showing the relationship ofmain line and switching wheels on a carrier in respect to main and spurline rails at the points 3-3; 4-4; 55; 66; 7-7; 8-8; 9-9 and 10-10, inFIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a transverse view, with parts in section, showing a carrierwith the main line wheels thereof in operative relation to main linerails, while the switching wheels are in a raised inoperative relationto the switching rails;

FIG. 12 is a top plan view showing the under carriage of the carrier;

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view showing the switching wheels in theirraised position;

FIG. 14 is a view similar to that of FIG. 13, showing the switchingwheels in their lowered, operative position;

FIG. 15 is a front elevational view showing cam means for actuating theswitching wheel moving mechanism;

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view showing the cam means located inadvance of the switchin rail section;

FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of cam means located immediatelybeyond the termination of the switching rails;

FIG. 18 is a side elevational view showing the cam follower of theswitching wheel moving means, in a position to lower the switchingwheels;

FIG. 19 is a side elevational view showing means for retaining theswitching wheels in their lowered position;

FIG. 20 is a side elevational view showing the cam follower of FIG. 18,in its switching wheel raising position;

FIG. 21 is a side elevational view showing the retaining means of FIG.19, in its switch wheel raised position;

FIG. 22 is a schematic plan view of a switching system embodying theinvention and adapted for use with carriers having rubber tired mainline wheels;

FIG. 23 is a transverse sectional view thereof;

FIG. 24 is a schematic showing of another form of switching embodyingthe invention and involving main line rails, spur line rails andswitching rails; and

FIG. 25 is a schematic showing of a switching system involving main linerails and switching rails extending from and to the main line rails.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In accordance with the instantinvention there is provided a switching system for propelled carriers,wherein the carriers have main line wheels for traversing main linerails and spur line rails having a common spacing, and switching wheelsfor traversing switching rails laterally related to main line and spurline rails.

The main line wheels of the carrier are mounted in a fixed positionrelative thereto, whereas the switching wheels are movably mounted formovement between a raised inoperative position and a lowered operativeposition. The switching rails are of a construction to accommodate theswitching wheels in their lowered, operative position, whereby continuedforward movement of the carrier is effective to progressively raise thecarrier and to disengage the main line wheels from the main line rails,the carrier continuing on the switching rails via the switching wheels.The carrier is shifted back to the main rails or equivalent spur linerails, by the terminal form of the switching rails, which is effectiveto lower the carrier and the main line wheels thereof to reengage themain line rails.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 1, the switching system of the instant inventioncomprises a main line 10, made up of main line rails 11, 12; while aspur line 13 comprises rails 14, 15 having a spacing equal to that ofmain line rails 11, 12. A switching section 16, made up of switchingrails 17, 18, interconnects main line 10'and spur line 13.

The main line is traversed by carriers C, FIGS. 11-14, which compriseessentially a platform portion with depending brackets 21 for mountingbearings 22 which carry shafts 23. Main line wheels 24 are mounted onshafts 23, for engagement with main line tated by propulsion motorsfixed to a cross member 26 extending between brackets 21 and which areenergized from a suitable source of electric current such as a thirdrail, not shown. A sprocket chain 27 connects 5 a sprocket wheel 28 onshaft23 and a sprocket wheel 29 on the shaft of motor 25.

Angle members 30 extending along the right of way, are engaged by idlerrollers 31 on shaft 23, to retain the wheels 24 in engagement with rails11, 12. It is understood that suitable superstructure, not shown, may beerected on platform 20 for the proper carriage of passengers or freight,as desired.

Carrier C is also provided with switching wheels 32, 32A, which areengaged for movement between a raised inoperative position and a loweredoperative position, FIGS. 13, 14; the switching wheels 32, 32A in theiroperative position having their lowermost rail engaging portion belowthe lowermost rail engaging portion of the main line wheels 24.

Switching wheels 32, 32A are mounted on shafts 33 extending betweenpairs of arms 34, 35. Arms 34 are pivoted at their outer ends onbrackets 36 depending from the underside of platform 20, as at 37. Theouter ends of arms are pivotally connected to a link 38, as at 39; thelink 38 in turn being pivotally connected at the other end thereof to asecond link 38 which is pivotally mounted on a member 39A fixed to theunderside of platform 20, as at 40.

The interpivoted links 38 are pivotally connected to arms 41 as at 42,which extend toward each other and have their outer ends pivotallyconnected to opposite ends of a toggle plate 43, as at 44, 45. Thetoggle plate 43 is fixed at the center thereof to a rocker shaft 46mounted at the opposite ends thereof on drop brackets 47 fixed to apronportion 48 of platform 20.

An arm 49 is fixed to the outer end of rocker shaft 46 and carries anoutwardly projecting cam follower pin 50. Means is provided along theright of way of main line rails 11, 12 and in advance of switching rails17, 18, for actuating the linkage assembly carrying switching wheels 32,32A to lower the wheels to their operative position.

To this end, cam means generally indicated at 51, is located adjacentrail 12 and in advance of the proximal ends of switching rails 17, 18which are disposed outwardly of main line rails 11, 12.

Cam means 51 comprises an upwardly and forwardly inclined angle member25 mounted on a frame including uprights 53, 54 and a cross member 55interconnecting the same. The uprights 53, 54 are pivotally connected attheir lower ends to an angle member 55, as at 56, 57 respectively. Thecamming member 52 is movable between its normally inoperative position,FIG. 15, and its operative position, FIG. 11, by a linkage includinginterpivoted arms 58, 59 and a hydraulic cylinder 60 with its piston 61pivoted to a bracket 62 on arm 58. Hydraulic cylinder 60 is pivotallymounted rails 11, 12 or spur line rails 14, 15. Shafts 23 are roat itslower end to anglc member 55, which in turn is fixed to a base member63.

Thus, upon actuating hydraulic cylinder 60, as by a signal receivingsolenoid, not shown, camming member 52 is pivoted from its out ofvertical position, FIG. 15, to its vertical position, FIG. 11, tothereby align the camming member 52 with the camming pin 50 on carrier Cas the same approaches the juncture point of main line and switchingsection 16.

It follows that the rotation of the arm 49 as pin 50 moves along thecamming member 52, will rock shaft 46 so that the linkage is operated tolower the switching wheels 32, 32A to their operative position, seeFIGS. 4, 5. The switching wheel 32A which traverses switching rail 17 isunflanged so as to cross main rail 11, at the juncture point J. Theswitching wheels 32 are flanged in the usual manner and traverseswitching rail 18 which is altogether outwardly disposed relative tomain line rail 12.

The proximal portions 17A, 18A of switching rails 17, 18 are inclinedforwardly and upwardly by virtue of appropriate incline of the roadbedRB, see FIGS. 2, 47. In FIG. 4, which shows the position of the carrierC when the same is in advance of camming means 51, the switching wheels32, 32A are in their raised, inoperative position. In FIG. 5, thecarrier C has moved forward sufficiently to actuate the camming means51, by way of camming pin 50 and the switching wheels 32 and 32A are intheir lowered, operative position, but the carrier C is still in advanceof the rail portions 17A,

In FIG. 6, the carrier C has its main line wheels 24 still in engagementwith main line rails 11, 12, as in FIGS. 4, 5; however, switching wheels32, 32A are close to switching rail portions 17A, 18A, which rampupwardly, so that asshowr in FIG. 7, the switching wheels 32, 32A are inengagement with rails 17A, 18A, and thereafter, as indicated in FIG. 18,the wheels 32, 32A are at the upper end of ramped portions 17A, 18A ofswitching rails 17, 18, at which time the carrier C and main line wheels24 have been lifted so that wheels 24 are clear of main line rails11,12.

In FIG. 9, there is indicated the position of the carrier C wherein thesame is moving over switching rails 17, 18 via switching wheels 32, 32Aat the juncture J. The switching rails 17, 17 may besuperelevated asshown in FIG. 10, by appropriate arrangement of the roadbed RB, toattain maximum efficiency in carrier switching operations.

It will be apparent that the forward movement of carrier C is effectivewith the switching wheels 32, 32A in their lowered position, toprogressively raise the carrier C and its main line wheels 24 so as todisengage wheels 24 from rails 11, 12, so that the carrier C now moveson switching rails 17, 18. The movement of carrier C on rails 17, 18continues until the same is to be shifted to the spur line rails 14, 15.

To this end, the switching wheels 32, 32A muat be raised to theirinoperative position to thereby lower the carrier C and its main linewheels 24, so that wheels 24 may engage the spur line rails 14, 15.Accordingly, there is provided cam means 51A which is located along spurline rail 15 and beyond downwardly ramped portions 17B, 18B of theswitching rails 17, 18.

Cam means 51A is similar to cam means 51, except that when the same isin its vertical, operative position, the cam follower pin 50 engages theunderside of downwardly inclined angle member 52A, causing the linkageto be operated so that siwtching wheels 32, 32A are lifted to theirinoperative position, see FIG. 13. The downwardly ramped portions 17B,18B of switching rails 17, 18 allow the carrier C and its main linewheels 24 to move downwardly with wheels approaching and then engagingthe spur line rails 14, 15.

Means is also provided for retaining the switching wheels 32, 32A ineither of their two positions, until positively actuated by cam means 51or 51A. To this end, an arm 65 is fixed to one end thereofto rockershaft 46, the other end being pivotally connected between a pair oftoggle plates 66, as at 67. The toggle plates 66 are formed withenlarged openings 68 to freely pass shaft 46.

A spring 69 has one end thereof fixed between toggle plates 66, as at70, which point is in line with pivot axis 67. The other end of spring69 is anchored to a frame member portion 71 of platform 20. It will beapparent that the spring 69 is effective in either of its positions,FIGS. 19, 21, to maintain the linkage carrying the switching wheels 32,32A in the cammed lower or upper positions, until the cam follower pin50 positively actuates the linkage in response to the action of cammeans 51 or 51A.

The carrier C may have its main line wheels 24A provided with rubbertires; in which case, the main line rails 11, 12 are replaced by achannel shaped track 75, FIG. 23. Track 75 comprises a horizontal webportion 76 and upstanding side edge flanges 77, which directs theforward movement of the carrier on said track 75.

The carrier C includes the switching wheels 32, 32A as described above;which operate in the same manner as hereinbefore described, when thecarrier is switched to switching rails 17, 18. The rails 17 passesthrough cuts 79, in track flanges 77; said rail 17 being colevel withthe upper portion of web 76.

The switching system of the instant invention is applicable to othertrack arrangements, as shown in FIGS. 24, 25. Thus, as shown in FIG. 24,the switching section 16 extends from one point in main line 10 andrejoins the main line 10 at another point. Cam means 51 and ramp'edswitching rail portions 17A, 18A of rails l7, 18, allows a carrier C tobe switched from main line 10 to switching section 16, as previouslydescribed. The distal end of switching section 16, including downwardlyramped portions 17B, 18B of switching rails 17, 18, permits the carrierC to again proceed on main rails 11, 12; cam means 51A raising theswitching wheels 32, 32A to their inoperative position, as previouslydescribed.

Alternatively, the carrier C may be switched from main line 10 to theswitching section 16 and thence to the spur line 13, via rails 14, 15,thereof, as previously described. However, in such case, cam means 513,sim' ilar to cam means 51, and located in advance of the thereof;together with cam means 51, 51A, all as previously described.

It is understood that the inertia of the propelled carrier C issufficient to continue the movement of the carrier over switchingsection 16, the carrier being positively propelled again when the samemoves over spur line 13, by way of driven main line wheels 24. However,switching wheels 32, 32A may be positively driven, by suitable motormeans, not shown, particularly when the switching section 16 over whichcarrier C is to travel, is of substantial length.

I claim:

l. A transportation system including main line rails and switching railssubstantially colevel throughout the length thereof with said main linerails, said switching rails including an initial portion parallel to themain line rails, carriers movable over said rails, means for propellingsaid carriers, switching means for moving said carriers between saidmain line rails and said switching rails, said switching meanscomprising main line wheels mounted on said carrier for engagement withsaid main line rails, switching wheels mounted on said carrier forvertical movement between a raised inoperative position and a loweredoperative position, said switching wheels in the lowered positionthereof having the rail engaging portion thereof below the rail engagingportion of said main line wheels, and means operative to move saidswitching wheels to their lowered operative position for engagement withsaid switching rails with a conjoint vertical lift of said carrier anddisengagement of said main line wheels from said main line rails, saidswitching rails including a proximal ramp portion forwardly and upwardlyinclined to provide a ramp for engagement by said switching wheels uponcontinued forward movement of said carrier whereby the forward movementof said carrier facilitates the lifting thereof.

2. A system as in claim 1 and further including means for actuating saidswitching wheels moving means in advance of the proximal ends of saidswitching rails.

3. A system as in claim 1 wherein said switching rails includes a distalportion forwardly and downwardly inclined to provide a ramp for downwardand forward movement of said carrier.

4. A system as in claim 1 and further including means for maintainingsaid switching wheels selectively in their raised and lowered positions.

5. A system as in claim I wherein said switching rails are locatedoutwardly of the respective main line rails.

6. A system as in claim 5, wherein the outermost of said switching railsis superelevated relative to the innermost of said switching rails.

7. A system as in claim 1, and further including spur line rails havinga spacing equal to that of said main line rails, the proximal endportion of said spur line rails being between and in overlappingrelation to the distal end portion of said switching rails, the distalend portion of the switching rails being forwardly and downwardlyinclined to provide a ramp for downward and forward movement of saidcarrier whereby said main line wheels thereof engage said spur linerails.

8. A system as in claim 7, and further including means located alongsaid spur line rails and beyond the terminal distal end of saidswitching rails for actuating said switching wheel moving means to raisesaid switching wheels to their inoperative position.

9. A system as in claim 1 wherein said switching wheels are locatedoutwardly of said main line wheels, and said switching wheel movingmeans comprises linkage means including interpivoted arm members formounting said switching wheels and toggle means interconnecting said armmembers and rotatable to shift said switching wheels between raised andlowered positions thereof.

1. A transportation system including main line rails and switching railssubstantially colevel throughout the length thereof with said main linerails, said switching rails including an initial portion parallel to themain line rails, carriers movable over said rails, means for propellingsaid carriers, switching means for moving said carriers between saidmain line rails and said switching rails, said switching meanscomprising main line wheels mounted on said carrier for engagement withsaid main line rails, switching wheels mounted on said carrier forvertical movement between a raised inoperative position and a loweredoperative position, said switching wheels in the lowered positionthereof having the rail engaging portion thereof below the rail engagingportion of said main line wheels, and means operative to move saidswitching wheels to their lowered operative position for engagement withsaid switching rails with a conjoint vertical lift of said carrier anddisengagement of said main line wheels from said main line rails, saidswitching rails including a proximal ramp portion forwardly and upwardlyinclined to provide a ramp for engagement by said switching wheels uponcontinued forward movement of said carrier whereby the forward movementof said carrier facilitates the lifting thereof.
 2. A system as in claim1 and further including means for actuating said switching wheels movingmeans in advance of the proximal ends of said switching rails.
 3. Asystem as in claim 1 wherein said switching rails includes a distalportion forwardly and downwardly inclined to provide a ramp for downwardand forward movement of said carrier.
 4. A system as in claim 1 andfurther including means for maintaining said switching wheelsselectively in their raised and lowered positions.
 5. A system as inclaim 1 wherein said switching rails are located outwardly of therespective main line rails.
 6. A system as in claim 5, wherein theoutermost of said switching rails is superelevated relative to theinnermost of said switching rails.
 7. A system as in claim 1, andfurther including spur line rails having a spacing equal to that of saidmain line rails, the proximal end portion of said spur line rails beingbetween and in overlapping relation to the distaL end portion of saidswitching rails, the distal end portion of the switching rails beingforwardly and downwardly inclined to provide a ramp for downward andforward movement of said carrier whereby said main line wheels thereofengage said spur line rails.
 8. A system as in claim 7, and furtherincluding means located along said spur line rails and beyond theterminal distal end of said switching rails for actuating said switchingwheel moving means to raise said switching wheels to their inoperativeposition.
 9. A system as in claim 1 wherein said switching wheels arelocated outwardly of said main line wheels, and said switching wheelmoving means comprises linkage means including interpivoted arm membersfor mounting said switching wheels and toggle means interconnecting saidarm members and rotatable to shift said switching wheels between raisedand lowered positions thereof.